Rebuilding Democracy in Texas: Screening and Discussion

October 22nd, 2019 // 6:00pm-8:30pm // Texas Union Theatre

The machinery of American democracy is broken: Districts are rigged to keep power entrenched. Increasing numbers of citizens are denied access to the vote. And money has deeply corrupted campaigns.

But individuals, civic organizations, and governments are working to fix the political system. They’re pursuing electoral reforms that better represent the whole of society; advancing new models for campaign finance reform; and finding new ways to increase voter turnouts and ensuring ballot access.

This evening will explore those efforts and ask: What could work in Texas?

Featuring a preview of “The Democracy Rebellion,” an upcoming public television documentary that tells the stories of grassroots reformers putting solutions to work. Followed by a conversation with Hedrick Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning former New York Times reporter and Emmy award-winning documentary producer, and Ross Ramsey, Texas Tribune co-founder; and perspective from Gary Winfield, Connecticut state senator; Dana DeBeauvoir, Travis County Clerk; Anthony Guiterrez, executive director, Common Cause Texas. Hosted by KXAN’s Josh Hinkle.

This event is co-sponsored by the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, KXAN-TV, and the Texas Tribune.